Deputy Speaker David "Jay-jay" Suarez (left), former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Facebook)

People's Initiative (PI) critic Davao del Norte 1st district Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez has had an inconsistent stand on Charter change (Cha-cha). 

Thus, said House Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David "Jay-jay" Suarez as he dismissed the former House Speaker's tirades on PI. 

Alvarez, lin a recent TV interview, questioned the legitimacy of the ongoing PI to amend the 1987 Constitution and alleged that Speaker Martin Romualdez was involved in the effort. 

Alvarez also reportedly said that it was hard to grasp the necessity for constitutional amendments, particularly on the economic provisions. 

But Suarez said Alvarez was an ardent proponent of Cha-cha during the early stages of the Duterte administration. 

According to Suarez, the Mindanaoan was one of the 301 House members who voted in March 2023 for the passage of Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6. The measure calls for the establishment of a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) to amend the 1987 Constitution. 

“This underscores the inconsistency in former Speaker Alvarez’s current stance on constitutional reforms, considering his prior support for RBH No.6 last year,” Suarez said. 

The newly-installed deputy speaker says Alvarez's shift in stance raises questions about the sincerity of his concerns and casts doubts on his motives. 

"It's baffling that someone who vigorously pushed for constitutional reforms in the past is now attempting to cast doubt on the very process he once championed. This raises serious questions about the credibility and sincerity of his current objections," Suarez remarked. 

ALSO READ:

https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/23/romualdez-house-has-no-direct-participation-in-pi-movement

He underscored that the ongoing constitutional discussions adhere to the letter of the law and the constitutionally mandated processes. 

As such, Suarez called on fellow lawmakers to reject Alvarez's “divisive tactics” and refocus their “collective energy on the paramount goal of serving the interests of the Filipino people and enhancing the nation's governance". 

"It's regrettable that instead of contributing constructively to the ongoing constitutional discussions, former Speaker Alvarez has chosen to indulge in baseless mudslinging. Our priority should be the well-being of our constituents, not engaging in petty political theatrics," the Quezon solon said.